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Overview

The Bible emphasizes how to remain faithful in the midst of suffering more than it emphasizes why suffering exists. Scripture gives us a small glimpse into why God allows suffering, but more importantly it gives great resources for persevering in the midst of suffering. The long and winding road takes us through regions of pain, doubts, questions, and suffering. Can your faith stand the strain of a long and winding journey? How can we make it home? This course investigates how we can remain faithful by God’s grace.

Session One

Faithful in the Midst of Suffering
Followers of God suffer, but they also remain faithful.
Job 1:1, 20–22; 2:9–10; 29:12–17; 30:25; 31:1, 5–11, 16–40; Ecclesiastes 7:14; Isaiah 45:7; Ezekiel 18:4; Amos 3:6; John 9:1–3; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 5:5; 11:27–29; 2 Corinthians 12:7–10; 1 Peter 2:20–21

This study explains that trials should be expected, but that we can persevere.

Session Two

Purpose in Suffering
Understanding why God allows suffering will help us persevere in trials.
Psalm 119:71; John 9:3; 2 Corinthians 1:8–9; 4:7–11, 17–18; 12:7–10; 2 Thessalonians 1:3–7; Hebrews 12:4–11; James 1:2–8; 1 Peter 1:6–7

This study presents intellectual perspectives on the problem of evil that help believers persevere in trials.

Session Three

Help Along The Way—Support in Suffering
Emotional and social perspectives on suffering help us persevere in trials.
John 11:35; 2 Corinthians 1:3–4; 12:7–10; Galatians 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Hebrews 2:10; 5:8; 12:4–11; 13:3

This study presents emotional and social perspectives on the problem of evil.

Session Four

Songs in the Night
Lament helps us remain faithful to God.
Numbers 14:9; Jeremiah 12:1; Psalm 57; 77:1–3; Matthew 28:17; Luke 7:19; Hebrews 5:7–10

The purpose of this study is to convince us that lament is appropriate, and thus to begin to change the culture or attitude of the church and to encourage transparency.

Total number of pages - 38 pages

This Study Through the Bible Course is based on a Series Builder by Jeffrey Arthurs.

You have permission to make up to 1,000 copies for use in your local church.